DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson has warned Clyde Wijnhard he must deliver in what he feels is the striker's "biggest season of his life".

Wijnhard was Quakers' top scorer last season, netting 14 goals, despite only joining the club on a free transfer in October.

However, Hodgson believes Wijnhard, who turns 32 in October, is at a stage in his career where he must prove his worth this year or risk the consequences.

Wijnhard was on target in Quakers' opening-day draw at Rushden on Saturday and Hodgson said: "This is probably the biggest season in Clyde's footballing life.

"He has to have a very good season because of his age and he needs to be scoring goals on a regular basis.

"If Clyde doesn't have a very good season for Darlington then where does he go?

"I know this is a very important year for him. If he can do well then he has another good two or three years ahead of him."

In addition to Hodgson's words of warning, the emergence of Akpo Sodje has added extra pressure on Wijnhard to produce the goods.

Hodgson has been impressed with the impact back-up striker Sodje has made since making his loan move from Huddersfield permanent during the summer.

Sodje was prominent in pre-season and came off the bench to score in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Stockport at the Darlington Football Stadium.

"Sodje has come back like a new player," said Hodgson. "His attitude is fantastic. He knows Simon (Johnson) and Clyde are in front of him but he's not letting that affect him.

"He knows what's required and he just wants to get on with it, which is brilliant for me to know."

Hodgson will hope to welcome back utility man Brian Close at the end of the month. The 23-year-old underwent operations on both ankles during the summer.

Midfielder Clark Keltie is also making good progress from a cruciate knee ligament injury and is expected to return in mid-September. Keltie has been sidelined for seven months.

* Darlington's youth team open their defence of the Youth Alliance at Bradford City on Saturday.

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